KARACHI: The federal government has decided to administer coronavirus booster shots to the general public aimed at curtailing the spread of Omicron, a new heavily mutated Covid-19 strain, ARY News reported citing sources.
As per the strategy finalised by the Health Department, the government is likely to start offering Covid-19 booster shots for fully vaccinated individuals from December 1. The booster shots will be administered in phases, said sources.
The updated COVID-19 vaccine targets the Omicron XBB.1.5 sublineage of SARS-CoV-2 and is recommended for those six months of age and older.
The suggestion that the monovalent COVID-19 vaccine adjusted for Omicron XBB.1.5 elicits a superior response against some XBB-related sublineages—EG.5.1 (Eris), XBB.1.5, XBB.1.16, and XBB.2.3, which remain prevalent globally—is backed by pre-clinical data1.
After considering the CHMP’s advice, the European Commission (EC) is anticipated to make a decision shortly. The improved vaccination will be available for immediate shipment to eligible EU member states upon a decision by the EC. To assure supply readiness ahead of the approaching fall and winter season, when demand for COVID-19 immunization is likely to surge, Pfizer and BioNTech have been manufacturing the monovalent COVID-19 vaccine derived from Omicron XBB.1.5 at risk.2.
The following adverse effects have been linked to Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine, or COMIRNATY (COVID-19 Vaccine, mRNA):
severe reactions to allergies
moderate allergic reactions, such rash, itching, hives, or swelling of the face
Myocarditis is the term for inflammation of the heart muscle.
Inflammation of the heart’s outer membrane is known as pericarditis.
injection location Pain or discomfort
exhaustion
Headache
Muscle aches
I’m feeling chilly
joint pain
Elevated body temperature edema at injection site
Redness where the injection was made
emesis
Having swollen lymph nodes due to illness (lymphadenopathy)
decreased appetite
The diarrhea that is emerging
Having a shot and experiencing arm pain and fainting
dizziness
Anxiety
These may not be
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